Christmas tree cutting permits in Tahoe go on sale soon

The U.S. Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of Christmas tree cutting permits Nov. 18 at its south shore office and Nov. 20 at its north shore office.

Permits cost $10 each and are limited to two permits per family. Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir or cedar in designated cutting areas on national forest lands surrounding the basin.

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“Because of the popularity of this program, permits sell out quickly,” forest officials said in a news release.

“Cutting a Christmas tree offers a traditional holiday experience, while helping to thin the forest of excessive smaller diameter trees, which creates a healthier forest over time,” they added.

Permit holders are asked to respect private property by not trespassing when entering or leaving national forest cutting areas, to observe seasonal road closures and to be prepared to walk in to the cutting area to find a tree. No off-road travel is allowed.

Sales will begin Nov. 18 at the forest supervisor’s office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Fridayand may be called at (530) 543-2694.

Permits will be sold at the north shore Forest Service office, 855 Alder Ave., Incline Village, Nev., beginning Nov. 20. This office is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

During winter weather driving conditions, people should call the Incline Village office at (775) 831-0914 to make sure it’s open.